Stephen Ministry
At any given time, many people in our congregation are experiencing loss, grief and unsettling changes in their lives. When we experience such events, we need someone to listen to our feelings…to walk with us along the way.
Christianity is a “hands-on” faith. Stephen Ministry provides a way for lay people to reach out to one another in Christian love and concern.
When you or someone you know is in need of care, Stephen Ministry can help. Each Stephen Minister receives over 50+ hours of training, then monthly continuing education to equip them to care for the many needs that may arise in people’s lives.
Stephen Ministry is…
- A ministry by trained, caring lay people in which one person reaches out to another in a time of need.
- A commitment to caring and supporting one another, to building a Christ-centered, sharing community.
- A response to Christ’s instruction to “love one another as I have loved you.”
- A totally confidential relationship between a care-giver and a care-receiver.
A Stephen Minister is…
A trained, dedicated lay member of our congregation who will…
- Listen to you
- Offer resources and referrals (if needed)
- Pray with you and for you
- Offer Christian love and support
Each Stephen Minister receives training in how to…
- Be sensitive
- Non-judgmental
- A totally confidential listener
Your Relationship with a Stephen Minister will be…
The same gender as you and as close as possible to you in age and background. Your Stephen Minister will call and arrange a convenient time and place to meet. During the first meeting, you and your Stephen Minister will determine a regular meeting schedule and place.
Some facts about Stephen Ministry…
- Stephen Ministry is named for Saint Stephen, the first deacon in the early church, commissioned by the apostles to care for the community’s needs.
- The Stephen Ministry program began in 1975. It has been used successfully in thousands of congregations representing over 50 denominations throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad.
- A Stephen Ministry relationship is a trust-building process in which you and your care-giver choose how you can best be helped.
Stephen Ministers are
CARE givers…
trusting Christ to be the
CURE giver
If you think you need a Stephen Minister, contact
the church office at
After a confidential conversation, and only with your consent, a Stephen Minister will be assigned to you.
